Rep. Sarita Austin

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont inpatient health care facilities to allow patients to continue taking all medically necessary medications prescribed for rare diseases - even if the facility doesn’t normally stock those drugs. It directly affects hospitals and patients receiving treatment for rare conditions who enter facilities while on specific medication regimens. The key provision mandates that facilities must accommodate these medications to prevent treatment disruptions during hospital stays. This ensures continuity of care without requiring facilities to maintain stock of every rare disease medication. The bill aims to address documented shortages of rare disease drugs in hospitals.

Maddy summaryH.638 establishes a voluntary certification program for recovery residences in Vermont through the Department of Health. It defines recovery residences as peer-support living spaces for people recovering from substance use disorders and sets six standards for certification, including meeting safety/sanitation rules, having a complaint process, and maintaining certification via a Vermont-approved organization. Certified residences must annually report data to the Department (e.g., resident numbers, employment changes) and undergo inspections with 10 days' notice. The bill directly affects recovery residences operating in Vermont, requiring them to meet these standards to participate in the program.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 151) is a ceremonial gesture congratulating Casella Waste Systems, Inc. on its 50th anniversary. It formally recognizes the company's founding in 1975, growth to over 5,000 employees across 10 states, sustainability initiatives (including EV fleets and the Casella Center for Circular Economy), and community contributions. The resolution has no legislative effect - only directing the Secretary of State to send a copy to the company. It directly affects Casella Waste Systems, Inc., as the recipient of this symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Mollie Beattie Distinguished Service Award to honor the legacy of Mollie Beattie, former Commissioner of Vermont's Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. Annually, the Department's Commissioner will present the award to current or former state employees or partners who advance conservation, public land accessibility, recreational quality, or sustainability of Vermont's public lands. The award commemorates the centennial of Vermont State Parks and recognizes contributions aligned with Beattie's values. It takes effect on July 1, 2025, and is purely ceremonial with no new funding or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution formally recognizes May 2025 as National Tennis Month in Vermont. It acknowledges the sport's history and its promotion by organizations like the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

Maddy summaryH 86 proposes to establish the Chloride Contamination Reduction Program within the Agency of Natural Resources. This program would educate, train, and certify commercial and municipal salt applicators on best management practices for applying salt or salt alternatives. The goal is to increase efficiency, reduce the amount of salt used, and prevent chloride from entering state waters. Certified applicators who follow these practices would receive a presumption of compliance with water quality laws and limited liability for certain snow and ice-related damages. The bill also requires the Agency to track salt usage, set reduction targets, and report on chloride impacts.

Maddy summaryThis resolution congratulates Caitlin MacLeod-Bluver of Winooski High School on her selection as the 2025 Vermont Teacher of the Year. It also recognizes Jeremy DeMink of Edmunds Middle School and Sonya Shedd of Wolcott Elementary School as Distinguished Finalists for the award.

Maddy summaryHCR 118 is a House Concurrent Resolution that commends Team Trumie and Truman Compton for their advocacy, community engagement, and efforts to foster public awareness and acceptance of autism. The resolution specifically recognizes their work in raising funds, donating resources, and promoting understanding of autism within the community.

Maddy summaryHCR 122 is a House concurrent resolution that officially recognizes the week of May 6-12 as National Nurses Week in Vermont. This resolution serves to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of nurses within the state.

Maddy summaryThis resolution congratulates the 2024 8-10 Colchester All-Star Little League Baseball team for winning the Vermont championship. It acknowledges their achievements and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the team.